In a fresh twist to the ongoing political drama at the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has allegedly withdrawn from a presidential panel set up to investigate sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
The revelation was made by Mrs Oby Ndukwe, President for “Citizens Quest for Truth” public in Saturday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.
The panel was established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 2 and was to be chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Members included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Attorney General of the Federation; and one representative each nominated by Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The panel was mandated to investigate the serious allegations that have drawn national attention and embarrassment.
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Akpabio’s reported withdrawal from the investigation panel, without offering any official explanation, has triggered widespread speculation across the country. Sources close to the matter claim the Senate President cited undue interference by the Executive arm and lack of confidence in the neutrality of the panel as reasons for his decision.
It could be recalled that Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been at loggerheads in recent months, following the senator’s open accusation of sexual harassment against the Senate President. In a controversial move, the Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan pending the outcome of the investigation, a decision that many viewed as a silencing tactic.
